My Monet Garden

When I create new yarn colours I like to use inspiration from my garden and my world around me. Today the lovely Monet Petunias are in full bloom, with wonderful, soft, pastel shades, just perfect for a new roving and yarn colourway.

When I design the yarns, I also think about the different fibre characteristics of the various flora fibres and combine them together as I card the unique blends.

In this hot weather, it is wonderful to both spin, knit and wear flax or linen. Flax is cool and crisp, but can also be a bit rough, until it has been gently softened through many washes.

Adding in some other flora fibres that have more silkiness, softness and drapability help to enhance the properties of the hand spun yarn.

Bamboo, made from cellulose pulp is spun into soft and silky filaments. Bamboo is cool to wear as it has high water absorbency, and also has antibacterial properties.

Soya silk, is a protein fibre made from the by-product leftovers of soya milk. Soya is soft, shiny and very silky to the touch, adding a touch of silk elegance, without the silk worm.

Monet on Drum Carder

Monet Carded Batt

Monet Garden

Monet Garden Roving

Plant Fibres Update

I used to spin and weave with a lot of plant based fibres. Then a few years ago, I suddenly developed a severe allergy to Bamboo fibre. I now have to carry an epi-pen with me in case I come into contact with anything Bamboo. So I am now cautious of any plant fibres, cloth or clothing. I now only use wool, cotton, flax, hemp nettles – plant fibres that have been used safely by humans throughout the centuries.

My Bamboo Allergy